The old spa town of Brides les Bains was `the Olympic Village` and thus home to the athletes participating in the 1992 Savoie Winter Olympics. It was linked by high speed gondola to Meribel on the Trois Vallees circuit as a result; there are no ski lifts at village level. It`s `real small town` feel contrasts with the internationally better known resorts up the mountain which include arguably France`s choicest resort Courchevel, Europe`s highest major resort Val Thorens and arguably (again) Europe`s ugliest resort - Les Menuires. It also offers better value accommodation than the altitude resorts and is quieter in the evenings, although as the main administrative and shopping centre for the Meribel Valley it is no sleepy hamlet. The resort`s status as a spa town dates back to the last century and continues to be a second string to its tourism bow, today with the emphasis on health and weight loss, often in conjunction with a summer of winter sports holiday, rather than as a curative treatment for ailments. The thermal resort at Thermes d`Orsi employs specialists and professionals including doctors, masseurs, dieticians and psychologists who can work out special weight loss and fitness programs, often involving a pleasurable dip in the 36º Celsius thermal pool at Salins a hydro massage and a visit to the mud bath.
Apres Ski
Nightlife in the resort is generally quiet and limited to hotel bars and a few other small establishments in addition to a cinema and two discotheques. If they wish, guests can choose to stay up the mountain at Meribel after skiing for a `full-on` action packed evening. However the casino at Brides Les Bains casino draws guests back down the mountain to play roulette, black jack or the games machines. The resort also stages classical, jazz and rock concerts as well as exhibitions and other entertainments at regular intervals.
